“David has gone to the station, uncle,” said Tom.
“Station? What for?”
“Uncle sent him for the fly.”
“Fly?”
“Yes, sir,” said Uncle James. “I sent your gardener for the fly, and if there’s any charge for his services I will pay him. I see I have outstayed my welcome, and the sooner I am off the better.”
“My dear James, don’t be absurd,” said Uncle Richard. “What you say is childish.”
“Of course, sir; sick and helpless men are always childish.”
“There, don’t take it like that. Tom assures me it was an accident. If you are upset by it, let me send for the doctor to see you.”
“Thank you; I’ll send for my own doctor as soon as I get back to town.”
“You’re not going back to town to-day,” said Uncle Richard, smiling.